tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
AB0272 INSUFFICIENCY OF VITAMIN D AS A PREDICTOR OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SEVERITY
Authors: M. Osipyan, M. Efraimidou, A. Antikyan, K. Ginosyan
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> The main function of VitD was historically linked with Ca/P03 metabolism and bone homeostasis, but recent research data have shown its major role in modulating the immune system. Taking into consideration the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1a-hydroxy- lase on dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells and B and T cells, VitD regulates both innate and adaptive immunity. It has been proposed, that VitD suppresses autoimmunity by different mechanisms and there is a growing interest in the role of VitD deficiency in the etiopathogenesis of RA and worst prognosis. With all this mentioned above in mind, it is clear that deficit of VitD has the potential to contribute to severity and progression of RA. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study is to evaluate VitD levels among patients with RA, investigate corelations between VitD levels and RA activity. <h3>Methods</h3> 47 patients with mean age of 52±9,8 were included in this study. All patients fulfilled EULAR/ACR 2010 classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. Disease activity was measured with help of DAS28. All patients were examined using the same protocol, ESR, CRP and VitD level were assessed. 51 healthy patients with the same statistical data were included in the control group. <h3>Results</h3> 68,085% of examined patient were female and 31,91%- male. Duration of the RA at the moment of the study was 5,2±8,1 years and mean DAS28 score was 4,8±1,02. According to our study significant negative correlation between levels of VitD and DAS28 score was found (p=0,02), correlations between CRP, ESR were also found, but the results were not significant. The mean VitD level in patient group was 13,3± 8,5 ng/mL and in control group 38,4±2,6 ng/mL. The difference of VitD levels between groups was significant (p&lt;0,05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> According to our data, levels of VitD are lower among patients with RA, especially among patients with high activity. Taking that into consideration, the levels of VitD should be assessed in patients with RA and insufficiency of VitD should be corrected in the course of Ra treatment. <h3>References</h3> [1] Jones BJ, Twomey PJ. Issues with Vitamin D in routine clinical practice. <i>Rheumatology (Oxford</i>) 2008;47:1267–8. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [2] Als OS, Riis B, Christiansen C. Serum concentration of Vitamin D metabolites in rheumatoid arthritis. <i>Clin Rheumatol.</i> 1987;6:238–43. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [3] Oelzner P, Müller A, Deschner F, Hüller M, Abendroth K, Hein G, et al. Relationship between disease activity and serum levels of Vitamin D metabolites and PTH in rheumatoid arthritis. <i>Calcif Tissue Int.</i> 1998;62:193–8. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.
POS1006-HPR DOES FIBROMYALGIA AFFECT OCCUPATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Authors: O. Hamdi, H. Boussaa, S. Miladi, B. A. Hiba, L. Souabni, K. Ouenniche, S. Kassab, S. Chekili, K. Ben Abdelghani, F. Alia, A. Laatar
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have a negative impact on patients' autonomy, quality of life and work productivity. Associated fibromyalgia may further accentuate this issue. <h3>Objectives</h3> We aimed to assess the impact of RA-associated fibromyalgia on occupational productivity. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted a cross-sectional study including RA patients (2010 ACR/EULAR criteria). Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (G1) including patients with fibromyalgia associated to RA, and group 2 (G2) including patients with RA. Fibromyalgia screening was based on the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FIRST). All patients completed the following questionnaires: Workplace Activity Limitations Scale (WALS) which is composed of 11 items (total score varying between 0 and 33), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) and Euro-Qol (EQ-5D). We compared the two groups of patients using the Student's t-test. The significance threshold was set at a p value of 0.05. <h3>Results</h3> Our study included 80 patients (G1: N=40 and G2: N=40) with an average age of 59±9 years [42-77] for G1, and 53 ±10 years for G2 [37-74]. The gender-ratio was 0.05. All the patients in G1 and 80% of patients in G2 held a job. The mean RA duration was 11.29±6.24 years. RA was erosive and ACPA/RF positive in 90% and 85% of cases, respectively. The mean delay between fibromyalgia and RA diagnosis was 49±7 months. The mean Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS<sub>28</sub> ESR) was 5 in G1, and 3.97 in G2. The reduction of work activity was greater in G1 compared to G2: the mean WALS in G1 was 18±2.7 vs 10.2±1.5 in G2; p= 0.01. The WPAI showed that the mean number of work hours missed due to RA was significantly higher in G1 compared to G2: 10.2±8 hours vs 4.3±0.8 hours (p&lt; 0.01). The mean absenteeism rate was higher in G1 compared to G2: 17.5 ±1.9% in G1 vs 10.2 ±0.5% in G2 (p= 0.02). The percentage of overall impairment of health related-activity was higher in G1 compared to G2: 50±8.6% in G1 vs 30±4.4% in G2 (p= 0.01). The mean self-rated health status using the EQ-5D VAS was 72.08 ±7% in G1 and 48 ±3.5% in G2 (p=0.05). The most affected dimensions in the EQ-5D for both groups were in the first place pain and discomfort, and secondly mobility. Loss of autonomy was found in 7 patients (37.5%) in G1 and 3 patients (7.5%) in G2. Depression and/or anxiety occurred in 45% of cases in G1, and 22.5% of cases in G2, respectively. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our study showed that RA-associated fibromyalgia has a negative impact on work performance and productivity. This association also seems to alter the quality of life. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> NIL. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.
AB0149 THE EXPRESSION AND REGULATION OF NOX4 IN DAMAGED MYOBLASTS IN INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHY
Authors: H. R. Kang, J. Y. Kim, S. U. Kim, E. Y. Lee, H. S. Kwon, S. Ban
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by proximal muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzymes, inflammation in the muscle. If the muscle is already damaged in IIM, it may not regain full strength even after treatment. Also the mechanisms that contribute to muscle weakness in myositis are currently unknown. Nox is the main source of ROS production in various cells types, and is also the source of mitochondria ROS. Excessive expression of Nox4 is characteristic of sclerosis, fibrosis, and cardiac related diseases, and it had been reported that knock down of Nox4 lowers the production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. However, the effect of Nox4 in myositis has not been reported. <h3>Objectives</h3> We investigated the expression and role of Nox4 in damaged myoblasts of myositis. <h3>Methods</h3> Myoblasts were isolated from IIM patients who underwent muscle biopsy in Seoul National University Hospital between February 2019 and February 2021. Skeletal muscle cell(SMC) was purchased. Myoblasts and SMCs were treated with cytokine mixture {interferon gamma(IFN-γ), interleukin(IL)-6, IL-15} or PBS for 30 minutes. The expression of Nox4, MyoD and myosin heavy chain(MYH) in myoblast and myotube was analysed by Western blot. For inhibition of Nox4, GKT137831(inhibitor of Nox4) was treated before the cytokine stimulation. <h3>Results</h3> Myoblasts from IIM patients did not differentiate into myotubes like healthy myoblasts suggesting impaired muscle regeneration. Myoblasts from IIM patients express higher level of Nox4 compared to healthy myoblasts. When treated with cytokine mixture(IFN-r, IL-6, IL-15), healthy myoblasts or SMC mimicked inflammatory myositis and showed increased expression of Nox4 and decreased expression of MYH similar to myositis phenotype. Nox4 inhibitor suppressed Nox4 expression and MyoD overexpression in inflammatory myoblasts. <h3>Conclusion</h3> We showed that Nox4 expression is increased in myoblasts from IIM patients and is associated with impaired muscle regeneration. Nox4 inhibition attenuated Nox4 and MyoD overexpression in inflamed myoblasts. <h3>References</h3> [1]Bi Y, Lei X, Chai N, <i>et al.</i> NOX4: a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer and its mechanism. <i>J Transl Med</i><b>19</b>, 515 (2021) [2]Rayavarapu S, Coley W, Kinder T.B., <i>et al.</i> Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: pathogenic mechanisms of muscle weakness. <i>Skeletal Muscle</i><b>3</b>, 13 (2013) [3]Dalakas MC, Hohlfeld R. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis. <i>Lancet</i>. 2003 Sep 20;362(9388):971-82. [4]Piera-Velazquez S, Makul A, Jiménez SA. Increased expression of NAPDH oxidase 4 in systemic sclerosis dermal fibroblasts: regulation by transforming growth factor β. <i>Arthritis Rheumatol</i>. 2015 Oct;67(10):2749-58. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.
AB0304 PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PRESENTING WITH MONO- OR OLIGO-ARTHRITIS AND HIGH PATIENT GLOBAL ASSESSMENT REMAIN MOST FATIGUED DURING 5-YEARS FOLLOW-UP
Authors: A. M. P. Boeren, M. Verstappen, A. Looijen, P. De Jong, A. Van der Helm – van Mil
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> The severity of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has hardly improved in recent decades, leaving a large unmet need. Fortunately, not all RA-patients suffer from persistent fatigue, but the subgroup of patients who suffer the most is insufficiently recognizable at diagnosis. As disease activity is partly coupled to fatigue, Disease-Activity-Score (DAS)-components may associate with the course of fatigue. <h3>Objectives</h3> We aimed to identify the RA-patients who remain fatigued by studying DAS-components at diagnosis in relation to the course of fatigue over a 5-year follow-up period in two independent early RA-cohorts. <h3>Methods</h3> 1560 consecutive RA-patients included in the Leiden Early-Arthritis Cohort and 415 RA-patients included in the tREACH-Cohort were studied. Swollen Joint Count (SJC), Tender Joint Count (TJC), Erytrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Patient Global Assessment (PGA) (Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),0-100mm) were studied in relation to fatigue (VAS, 0-100mm) during 5-years using linear mixed models. <h3>Results</h3> Higher TJC and PGA at diagnosis were associated with a more severe course of fatigue. The SJC, in contrast, showed an inverse association; patients with mono- or oligo-arthritis at diagnosis remained more fatigued. The combination of aforementioned characteristics revealed that patients presenting with a mono- or oligo-arthritis and PGA≥50 remained the most fatigued over time(+20mm versus polyarthritis with PGA&lt;50), whilst the DAS-course over time was not different. This subgroup comprised 14% of the early RA-population. Data from the tREACH-cohort showed similar findings. <h3>Conclusion</h3> RA-patients who remain the most fatigued are characterized by mono- or oligo-arthritis and high PGA(VAS≥50) at diagnosis. This understanding may enable early-intervention with non-pharmacological approaches in dedicated patient groups. Abbreviations: EAC, Early Arthritis Cohort; DAS, Disease Activity Score; SJC, Swollen Joint Count; PGA, Patient Global Assessment, tREACH; treatment Rotterdam Early Arthritis Cohort. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> N/A. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.
AB0382 COMPARISON OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK SCALES ACCORDING TO TIME OF EVOLUTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS
Authors: I. J. Colunga-Pedraza, D. Á. Galarza-Delgado, J. R. Azpiri-López, V. M. Beltran-Aguilar, V. Gonzalez-Gonzalez, A. G. Arias Peralta, N. De Avila Gonzalez, J. A. Cardenas-de la Garza, G. García-Arellano
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multisystemic and multifactorial disease. RA patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbimortality, with atherosclerotic CV disease being the leading cause of death. The traditional risk factors cannot explain such an increase by themselves. (1) There are many algorithms for CV risk (CVR) prediction, and results obtained by these must be multiplied by 1.5 factor, since the EULAR recommendation from 2016. (2) <h3>Objectives</h3> To compare CVR by six scales: Framingham lipids and BMI, ACC/AHA ASCVD 2013, Reynolds (RRS), SCORE 2 and QRISK III, according to the time of disease evolution in RA patients. <h3>Methods</h3> Descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional study. We enrolled RA patients between 40 and 75 years old who fulfilled ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria and recruited in the Rheumatology service from a tertiary care hospital. Patients were divided by time of disease evolution into quartiles. CVR results from scales were multiplied by 1.5 factor according to EULAR 2016 recommendation. Normality was assessed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Variables with a non-normal distribution were described by median and interquartile range (p25-p75). Differences between groups was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test or Chi-squared, accordingly. <h3>Results</h3> Total of 406 RA patients were included. Demographic characteristics are shown in table 1. For longer disease evolution, CV scales showed an increased (except for RRS; p= 0.123), just like anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (p=0.001), rheumatoid factor IgG (p=0.003), IgM (p=0.00) and IgA (p=0.00). <h3>Conclusion</h3> CVR increased according to disease duration. Despite that most of the scales showed such increased, CVR varies between them, which may be attributable to the variables evaluated in each one. More studies are required to define which scale is the best to predict in RA patients. <h3>References</h3> [1]England BR, Thiele GM, Anderson DR, Mikuls TR. Increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: Mechanisms and implications. BMJ (Online). 2018;361. [2]Agca R, Heslinga SC, Rollefstad S, Heslinga M, McInnes IB, Peters MJL, et al. EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory joint disorders: 2015/2016 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Jan;76(1):17–28. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.
AB0064 DISCOVERY OF NOVEL LONG-NONCODING RNAS IMPLICATED IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: J. M. Kim, C. N. Son, K. Hur
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a representative systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and proliferation accompanied by joint destruction. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are a key constituent of the synovium and paly an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. Although accumulating evidence has implicated the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in autoimmune diseases, the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of RA remains unknown. <h3>Objectives</h3> In this study, we aim to investigate the expression profile of lncRNAs in the FLS from the patients with RA (RA FLS) and discover promising candidates involved in the pathogenesis of RA. <h3>Methods</h3> The next-generation sequencing (NGS) data were analyzed to identify differential expressed lncRNAs in RA FLS compared with FLS from the patients with osteoarthritis (OA FLS). NGS data were also analyzed to reveal differentially expressed lncRNAs between unstimulated RA FLS and IL-1-stimulated RA FLS. And then, the intersection of two analysis results was obtained. Data obtained by intersection was validated by RT-qPCR using RA FLS and OA FLS. Changes in lncRNA expression induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines were investigated by RT-qPCR. <h3>Results</h3> According to NGS analysis, among the lncRNAs whose expression was increased in RA FLS compared to OA FLS, there were 4 lncRNAs whose expression was also increased by IL-1 stimulation in RA FLS. On the other hand, among the lncRNAs whose expression was decreased in RA FLS compared to OA FLS, there were 6 lncRNAs whose expression was also decreased by IL-1 stimulation. Of the 4 upregulated and 6 downregulated lncRNAs, we validated the top 3 of each when listed in order of fold change. As a result, it was confirmed that the expression of only one (NR_030732) was increased in RA FLS. The expression level of NR_030732 was more enhanced after treating with IL-1, IL-6, or TNF-α in RA FLS. Although not confirmed in validation, the expression of the top 3 downregulated lncRNAs (NR_034107, NR_046240, NR_121608) derived from NGS analysis was also decreased after the treatment with IL-1, IL-6, or TNF-α in RA FLS. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our study found that NR_030732 was prominently expressed in RA FLS, and confirmed that the expression of NR_030732 was also increased by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, our data suggest that the lncRNA NR_030732 might be a candidate lncRNA involved in the pathogenesis of RA. <h3>Reference</h3> [1]Hur K, Kim SH, Kim JM. Potential Implications of Long Noncoding RNAs in Autoimmune Diseases. Immune Netw. 2019 Feb 25;19(1):e4. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.
AB0279 FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: M. Brahem, R. Sarraj, B. Jebali, O. Jomaa, M. Hassayoun, S. Abdellatif, H. Hachfi, Y. Mohamed
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has an important impact on patients 'quality of life (QoL), affecting both physical and mental domains of well-being. <h3>Objectives</h3> This study aims to assess the QoL of RA patients based on the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and to evaluate the associated factors. <h3>Methods</h3> This is a cross-sectional study including patients with RA disease. Each patient answered to the SF-36 Questionnaire assessing quality of life, which evaluates 8 domains: physical functioning (PF), bodily pain (BP), role limitations due to physical health problems (RP), role limitations due to personal or emotional problems (RE), mental health (MH), social functioning (SF), energy/fatigue or vitality (VT), and general health perceptions (GH). <h3>Results</h3> We included 78 patients with a mean age of 52.9±11.3 years and a female preponderance (88.5%). The mean duration of disease progression was 11.1±9.5 years. The average of patient global health, numbers of swollen and tender joints were respectively 51.4 ± 2.2, 3.7± 3.2 and 8.6 ± 7.6. Two thirds of patients had moderate to severe disease activity (DAS 28 &gt;3.2). The mean Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was 1.3 ± 0.8. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) showed that 16.7% of patients had anxiety and 18% had depression. The SF-36 global score was 52.3 ± 24.8 [15.5-92.8] with an impaired QoL (SF-36 &lt;66.7) in 51 (65.4%) patients. Among the eight domains, the most affected domain was the "role limitations due to physical health problems" (RP) with a mean of 45.4±20.3. Impaired QoL was associated with disease activity parameters: number of swollen joints (p&lt;0.01), number of tender joints (p&lt;0.01), patient global health (p=0.02) and DAS 28 score (p&lt;0.01). Patients with high functional disability (HAQ ≥ 1), high scores of depression and anxiety had poor quality of life (p&lt;0.01). No significant associations were found between QoL and age, gender or duration of disease activity. <h3>Conclusion</h3> RA has a significant physical, psychological and social impact on affected patients. This impairment of QoL was associated with disease activity, functional impact and psychological disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to improve these parameters for a better management of the disease. <h3>References</h3> [1] Matcham F et al. The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on quality-of-life assessed using the SF-36: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2014 Oct;44(2):123–30. [2] Rosa-Gonçalves D et al. Quality of life and functional capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - Cross-sectional study. Reumatol Clin. 2018;14(6):360–6. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.
AB0295 PREVALENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND TRADITIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS:A REAL-LIFE EVIDENCE FROM BIOSTAR NATIONWIDE REGISTRY
Authors: M. T. Duruöz, Ş. Ataman, H. Bodur, H. F. Cay, M. Alkan Melikoglu, Ö. Akgül, E. Capkin, G. Gürer, R. Çevik, F. N. Göğüş, A. Kamanli, F. G. Yurdakul, İ. Yağci, A. Rezvani, L. Altan İnceoğlu
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities. <h3>Objectives</h3> The association of CV diseases (CVD) and traditional CV risk factors have been debated, depending on patient and RA characteristics. This study aimed to find the prevalence of CVD and CV risk factors in patients with RA. <h3>Methods</h3> A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed on RA patients using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry). Socio-demographic, clinical, and follow-up data were collected. Patients with and without major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were grouped as Group 1 and Group 2. Prevalence rates of CVD and traditional CV risk factors were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were the differences in the clinical characteristics between patients with and without CVD. <h3>Results</h3> We analyzed 724 RA patients with a mean age of 55.1 ±12.8 years. There was a female preponderance (79.6%). The prevalence rate of CVD was 4.6% (n=33). The frequencies of the diseases in the MACE category were ischemic heart disease in 27, congestive heart failure in 5, peripheral vascular disorders in 3, and cerebrovascular events in 3 patients. The patients with CVD (Group 1) were significantly male, older, and had higher BMI (p=0.027, p&lt;0.001, and p=0.041). Obesity (33.4%) and hypertension (27.2%) were the two CV risk factors most frequently. Male sex (HR=0.085, 95% CI:0.028-0.257, p&lt;0.001) and hypertension (HR=4.63, 95% CI:1.251-17.134, p=0.022) were the independent risk factors for CVD. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The prevalence of CVD in RA patients was 4.6%. Some common risk factors for CVD in the general population, including male sex, older age, and hypertension, were evident in RA patients. sex and hypertension were the independent risk factors for developing CVD in patients with RA. <h3>References</h3> [1] Raj R, Thomas S, Gorantla V. Accelerated atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. F1000Res. 2022;11:466. [2] Charles-Schoeman C, Buch MH, Dougados M, et al. Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events with tofacitinib versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with or without a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a post hoc analysis from ORAL Surveillance. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82(1):119-129. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.